Effects of oridonin on sperm function and the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway: Implications for reproductive toxicity.

Oridonin, a natural terpenoid isolated from the leaves of Isodon rubescens (Hemsley) H.Hara, is widely used in oriental medicine for its anticancer properties across various cancer types. Despite its prevalent use, the toxic effects of oridonin on male reproduction, particularly its impact on sperm functions and the mechanisms involved, are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of oridonin on sperm functions. We initially treated Duroc boar spermatozoa with varying concentrations of oridonin (0, 5, 50, 75, 100, and 150 µM) and incubated them to induce capacitation. We then assessed cell viability and several sperm functions, including sperm motility and motion kinematics, capacitation status, and ATP levels. We also analyzed the expression levels of proteins associated with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and phosphotyrosine proteins. Our results indicate that oridonin adversely affects most sperm functions in a dose-dependent manner. We observed significant decreases in AKT, p-AKT (Thr308), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), p-PDK1, and p-PI3K levels following oridonin treatment, alongside an abnormal increase in phosphotyrosine proteins. These findings suggest that oridonin may disrupt normal levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins by inhibiting the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis, thus potentially harming sperm functions. Consequently, we recommend considering the reproductive toxicity of oridonin when using it as a therapeutic agent.

Ethylene oxide suppresses boar sperm function during capacitation.

Ethylene oxide (E.O) is an epoxide compound, and it has been utilized as a sterilizer or production of ether compounds in several industries. Although the toxic effects of E.O on bacteria and mammals have been reported, its effects on male reproductive toxicity during sperm capacitation are not fully understood. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of E.O exposure during sperm capacitation. Boar spermatozoa were treated with various E.O concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µÐœ). After exposure, sperm motility, motion kinematics, capacitation status, intracellular ATP levels, cell viability, expression levels of protein kinase A (PKA) activation, and tyrosine phosphorylation were evaluated. Results revealed that E.O exposure significantly decreased sperm motility, motion kinematics, and intracellular ATP levels but significantly increased the capacitated spermatozoa. In addition, the PKA activation and tyrosine phosphorylation were abnormally changed. According to our results, E.O may cause toxic effects on sperm function during capacitation, which induces male reproductive toxicity. Consequently, we suggest that male reproductive toxicity should be considered when using E.O.

Application of sperm motion kinematics and motility-related proteins for prediction of male fertility.

The selection of superior sires is paramount for enhancing the efficiency of animal production in the livestock industry. However, semen quality assessment still relies on conventional semen analysis techniques in both animals and humans. Despite extensive efforts to develop various biomarkers for more accurate and precise predictions of male fertility potential, more effective physiological indicators and advance potential biomarkers are needed. Herein, we aimed to develop new potential biomarkers related to sperm motion kinematics for male fertility prediction. We first evaluated sperm motion kinematic parameters and expression levels of sperm motility-related proteins of 30 Duroc boars. We then explored the correlation between litter size, sperm motion kinematics parameters, and sperm motility-related proteins. Progressive sperm motility (%), rapid sperm motility (%), slow sperm motility (%), straight-line velocity (µm/s), linearity (%), beat cross frequency (Hz), mean angular displacement (degree), wobble (%) were correlated with litter size. Furthermore, the expression of axonemal dynein light intermediate polypeptide 1 (DNALI1) and radial spoke head protein 9 homolog (RSPH9) correlated with litter size. The overall accuracy exceeded 60% for predicting litter size using these sperm motion parameters and proteins. Notably, our study observed an increase in litter size after predicting litter size using these parameters and proteins. Thus, sperm motion kinematic parameters and protein expression, particularly of DNALI1 and RSPH9, could serve as new biomarkers for male fertility. These results may contribute to improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying sperm motility.

Comparative Analysis for Genetic Characterization in Korean Native Jeju Horse.

The Jeju horse is a native Korean species that has been breeding on Jeju Island since the 13th century. Their shape has a distinct appearance from the representative species, Thoroughbred. Here, we performed a comparison of the Jeju horse and Thoroughbred horse for the identification of genome-wide structure variation by using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique. We generated an average of 95.59 Gb of the DNA sequence, resulting in an average of 33.74 X sequence coverage from five Jeju horses. In addition, reads obtained from WGRS data almost covered the horse reference genome (mapped reads 98.4%). Based on our results, we identified 1,244,064 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 113,498 genomic insertions, and 114,751 deletions through bioinformatics analysis. Interestingly, the results of the WGRS comparison indicated that the eqCD1a6 gene contains signatures of positive natural selection in Jeju horses. The eqCD1a6 gene is known to be involved in immunity. The eqCD1a6 gene of Jeju horses commonly contained 296 variants (275 SNPs and 21 INDELs) that were compared with its counterpart of two Thoroughbred horses. In addition, we used LOAA, digital PCR, to confirm the possibility of developing a molecular marker for species identification using variant sites. As a result, it was possible to confirm the result of the molecular marker with high accuracy. Nevertheless, eqCD1a6 was shown to be functionally intact. Taken together, we have found significant genomic variation in these two different horse species.

Determination of the effect of functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with glycerolipid synthesis on intramuscular fat deposition in Korean cattle steer.

Intramuscular fat deposition in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) of Korean cattle steer is regulated by several genes related to lipid metabolism. One of these genes encodes the enzyme bovine glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, mitochondrial (GPAM), which is located on the mitochondrial outer membrane and catalyzes the initial and committed step of glycerolipid synthesis in lipid metabolism of cattle. Previous studies have shown that the 3 ' -untranslated region (UTR) of the GPAM is quite extended and contains a polyadenylation signal site, erythroid 15-lipoxygenase differentiation control elements (15-LOX-DICEs), and cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements (CPEs) that affect the regulation of triacylglycerol synthesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the regulation of glycerolipid synthesis in the 3 ' -UTR of GPAM and to verify the function of SNPs affecting the deposition of intramuscular fat in Korean cattle steer. In the present study, 11 SNPs were discovered in the 3 ' -UTR of GPAM. Among these SNPs, g.54853A > G, g.55441A > G, and g.55930C > T were significantly associated with marbling score in a Korean cattle steer population and were strongly correlated with each other within the GPAM gene. Furthermore, based on the results predicted by the RNAhybrid program, four putative microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified, and the above SNPs were found to present in the seed region of these miRNAs. These miRNAs have a differential binding affinity for each allele of SNPs g.54853A > G, g.55441A > G, and g.55930C > T. The in vivo evidence of intramuscular fat deposition in the LM tissue showed that these SNPs affected the regulation of intramuscular fat deposition in Korean cattle steer. Thus, the g.54853A > G, g.55441A > G, and g.55930C > T could be considered as causal mutations regulating intramuscular fat deposition in Korean cattle steer.

Change in plasma sirtuin 1 level by injection into uterus of resveratrol in Korean cattle.

Bovine embryonic development is closely associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, which is regulated by the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Resveratrol, which is a type of natural phenol produced by several plants and used as a dietary supplement, is the activator of SIRT1. Although it has been reported that resveratrol increased SIRT1 level in in vitro bovine blastocysts, there are no in vivo reports on the change in the plasma SIRT1 level in cows. Therefore, we investigated the change in the level of plasma SIRT1 by injecting different concentrations of resveratrol into the uterus of Korean cattle heifer. The level of plasma SIRT1 in the 1.0 µM resveratrol-injected group was the highest among all groups (P < 0.05). Although the level of plasma SIRT1 increased on days 7, 9, and 14 in the resveratrol-injected group, the level of plasma SIRT1 in the control group decreased. When 1.0 µM resveratrol was directly injected into the uterus of cows during artificial insemination, a pregnancy rate was 21.0% higher than that in the control group. In conclusion, our results identified that the level of plasma SIRT1 was increased by direct injection of resveratrol and improved conception rate by injection into uterus of cow during artificial insemination.

Quantitative evaluation of the molecular marker using droplet digital PCR.

Transposable elements (TEs) constitute approximately half of Bovine genome. They can be a powerful species-specific marker without regression mutations by the structure variation (SV) at the time of genomic evolution. In a previous study, we identified the Hanwoo-specific SV that was generated by a TE-association deletion event using traditional PCR method and Sanger sequencing validation. It could be used as a molecular marker to distinguish different cattle breeds (i.e., Hanwoo vs. Holstein). However, PCR is defective with various final copy quantifications from every sample. Thus, we applied to the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) platform for accurate quantitative detection of the Hanwoo-specific SV. Although samples have low allele frequency variation within Hanwoo population, ddPCR could perform high sensitive detection with absolute quantification. We aimed to use ddPCR for more accurate quantification than PCR. We suggest that the ddPCR platform is applicable for the quantitative evaluation of molecular markers.

Beneficial effects of 6-shogaol on hyperglycemia, islet morphology and apoptosis in some tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion and aberrant glucagon secretion resulting from changes in pancreatic islet cell function and/or mass. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ginger on various tissues (i.e., pancreas, kidney, and liver) and insulin resistance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The pleasant aroma of ginger comes from the constituents present in its volatile oil, while its non-volatile pungent phytochemicals consist of gingerols, shogaols, and paradols. METHODS: This research was conducted to determine the effects of 6-shogaol administration on blood glucose and insulin production in type 1 diabetic mice. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with shogaol at 5 or 10 mg/kg body weight. Untreated mice were injected with an equivalent volume of buffer, three times a week for 2 weeks. The animals were randomly divided into four experimental groups: control group mice (n = 3) were given an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) vehicle (1 mL citrate buffer/100 g body weight) at day 1 and received an IP injection of 6-shogaol vehicle [1 mL buffer (0.5% DMSO, 10% Tween 20, and 89.5% PBS)/100 g body weight] every other day for 4 consecutive days. RESULTS: 6-Shogaol exhibited an antidiabetic effect by significantly decreased the level of blood glucose, body weight and attenuated the above pathological changes to the normal levels in the diabetic mice, and has effect against pancreas, kidney, liver damage in the diabetic mice. Since, 6-shogaol prevented the damage for STZ induced stress. CONCLUSION: 6-Shogaol can be used as a therapeutic agent for preventing complications in diabetic patients. Diabetic treatment consider the 6-shogaol as a pharmatheuticals or combination drug with herbal plant or others 6-shogaol may be a good therapeutic drug because it covers not only pancreatic ß-cell but also liver and kidney. Ginger may be ideal because they contain a variety of pharmacological compounds with different known pharmacological actions.

Investigation of Hanwoo-specific structural variations using whole-genome sequencing data.

BACKGROUND: The total length of the cattle genome is approximately ~ 3 billion base pairs. About half of the bovine genome (46.5%) is composed of transposable elements (TEs). The TEs could be a major source of genomic structural variations (SVs) between cattle breeds. These SVs have led to genomic fluidity and rearrangements between interspecies. OBJECTIVE: TE-mediated insertion and deletion events could have a strong influence on the bovine genome. This study aimed to investigate TE-mediated deletion events that are common to 12 Hanwoo genome resequencing data. RESULTS: We compared 12 Hanwoo genome resequencing data with the cattle reference genome (Bos taurus_UMD_3.1.1) and six other open source data (2 Jersey, 2 Holstein, 2 Angus). By using BreakDancer program, the common SVs to the 12 Hanwoo genomes were detected. A total of 299 Hanwoo-specific SV candidates were detected. Among them, 56 Hanwoo-specific TE-mediated deletion candidate loci were validated by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Finally, we identified one locus, DEL_96, which is an authentic Hanwoo-specific deletion. The DEL_96 event occurred by nonallelic homologous end-joining between LINE (BovB) and unique sequence with 1 bp microhomology. The 370 bp deletion event appeared to be only in the Hanwoo individuals after the divergence of Hanwoo and Holstein lineages. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that one of the SVs, TE-mediated deletion, could be utilized as a molecular maker to distinguish between Hanwoo and Holstein.

Superior single nucleotide polymorphisms that contribute to two main routes of the fatty acid synthesis pathway in Korean cattle.

The fatty acid composition of adipose tissue in livestock has been recognized as an important carcass trait that affects meat quality. To determine the overall positive effect on fatty acid synthesis, we investigated PPARγ, SREBPs, FABP4, SCD, and FASN genes because SNP and/or SNP combinations were strongly affecting each fatty acid synthesis pathway. We screened their SNPs, SNP combinations, and genotype. Furthermore, we studied the economic traits C18:1, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and marbling score (MS). To enhance the accuracy of the predictive genetic effect, we applied a statistical adjustment model excluding environmental factors. We also selected superior genes, gene combinations, and genotypes for each economic trait by using multifactor dimensionality reduction. Based on the results, g.3977-325 T>C (CC) was selected as the best genotype of the SNP and the combination (g.10153 A>G, g.3977-325 T>C) (AACC, AGCC, GGCC), (g.3690 G>A, g.3977-325 T>C) (GGCC, GACC), (g.3977-325 T>C, g.25670 C>T) (CCCC, CCCT, CCTT) (genotypes of the best SNP combination) was selected as the best gene combination for C18:1 and MUFA. In addition, g.3977-325 T>C (CC) was selected as the best genotype of the SNP and the combination (g.3977-325 T>C, g.6974 G>A) (TTAA, CTAA, CCAA, CCGA, CCGG) as the best SNP combination for MS. We integrated genes that were selected as excellent SNP and SNP combinations affecting two main routes of the fatty acid synthesis pathway and identified the best and final SNP, SNP combination, and superior genotype.

In vivo evidence on the functional variation within fatty acid synthase gene associated with lipid metabolism in bovine longissimus dorsi muscle tissue.

In Korean cattle, intramuscular fat (IMF), or marbling, of the longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) cross section is one of the most important indicators of beef quality and are influenced by environmental and genetic factors. This study was to evaluate the effect of SNPs on the beef quality in Korean cattle for functional studies, such as site-directed mutagenesis based on bovine adipocytes. The fatty acid synthase (FASN) gene plays an important role in lipogenesis. FASN is an essential metabolic and multifunctional enzyme in fatty acid synthesis. Several studies have reported that SNPs g.841G, g.16024A, g.16039T, and g.17924G have a significant impact on marbling scores in Korean cattle and Japanese Black cattle population. These SNPs are located in transcription factor binding sites, the beta-ketoacyl reductase, and thioesterase domains. Our results revealed that the g.17924 A>G SNP is located in the thioesterase domain of the FASN protein, and changes from polar, neutral, and hydrophilic to nonpolar, aliphatic, and hydrophobic, respectively. In in vivo LM tissue of Korean cattle, the g.17924A>G SNP has an effect on increasing fat deposition. Therefore, g.17924A>G SNP could be a causal mutation for increasing fat deposition in Korean cattle LM tissue.

Rearing characteristics of fattening Hanwoo steers managed in different stocking densities.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to analyze the effects of stocking density on growth and carcass quality, and behavior of Hanwoo cattle to conform with global trends, targeting animal welfare production through the practice of environmentally friendly condition. METHODS: Thirty six steers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (C: 5 heads, T1: 4 heads, T2: 3 heads) and reared in separate pens with a constant stocking density of 50 m2 (C: 10 m2/head, T1: 12.5 m2/head, T2: 16.67 m2/head) per group from 12 to 30 month of age. Growth performance, behavior and carcass quality traits of each steer were recorded and compared between the treatment groups. RESULTS: In general, the average daily gain during the fattening period was lower in group T2 than in T1 and the control groups. However, carcass weight and dressing percentage was lower in the control group than in T1 or T2 groups (p<0.05). Also, marbling score at 30 months of age was the lowest in the control group (p<0.05), while the three heads group (T2) had the greatest longissimus muscle area and marbling score (p<0.05). The behavior of walking time was the greatest in T2 group, while self-grooming and fighting occurred with the most frequency in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the steers in more spacious stocking density had better carcass quality and wellbeing related behaviors, indicating that a lower density has a positive effect on raising management and carcass quality. Thus it is a need to install appropriate pens fitted to welfare-oriented management practices from growing to fattening period in Hanwoo cattle.

Chicken (Gallus gallus) endogenous retrovirus generates genomic variations in the chicken genome.

BACKGROUND: Transposable elements (TEs) comprise ~10% of the chicken (Gallus gallus) genome. The content of TEs is much lower than that of mammalian genomes, where TEs comprise around half of the genome. Endogenous retroviruses are responsible for ~1.3% of the chicken genome. Among them is Gallus gallus endogenous retrovirus 10 (GGERV10), one of the youngest endogenous retrovirus families, which emerged in the chicken genome around 3 million years ago. RESULTS: We identified a total of 593 GGERV10 elements in the chicken reference genome using UCSC genome database and RepeatMasker. While most of the elements were truncated, 49 GGERV10 elements were full-length retaining 5' and 3' LTRs. We examined in detail their structural features, chromosomal distribution, genomic environment, and phylogenetic relationships. We compared LTR sequence among five different GGERV10 subfamilies and found sequence variations among the LTRs. Using a traditional PCR assay, we examined a polymorphism rate of the 49 full-length GGERV10 elements in three different chicken populations of the Korean domestic chicken, Leghorn, and Araucana. The result found a breed-specific GGERV10B insertion locus in the Korean domestic chicken, which could be used as a Korean domestic chicken-specific marker. CONCLUSIONS: GGERV10 family is the youngest ERV family and thus might have contributed to recent genomic variations in different chicken populations. The result of this study showed that one of GGERV10 elements integrated into the chicken genome after the divergence of Korean domestic chicken from other closely related chicken populations, suggesting that GGERV10 could be served as a molecular marker for chicken breed identification.

Detection of superior genotype of fatty acid synthase in Korean native cattle by an environment-adjusted statistical model.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the genetic factors influencing the phenotypes (four economic traits:oleic acid [C18:1], monounsaturated fatty acids, carcass weight, and marbling score) of Hanwoo. METHODS: To enhance the accuracy of the genetic analysis, the study proposes a new statistical model that excludes environmental factors. A statistically adjusted, analysis of covariance model of environmental and genetic factors was developed, and estimated environmental effects (covariate effects of age and effects of calving farms) were excluded from the model. RESULTS: The accuracy was compared before and after adjustment. The accuracy of the best single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in C18:1 increased from 60.16% to 74.26%, and that of the two-factor interaction increased from 58.69% to 87.19%. Also, superior SNPs and SNP interactions were identified using the multifactor dimensionality reduction method in Table 1 to 4. Finally, high- and low-risk genotypes were compared based on their mean scores for each trait. CONCLUSION: The proposed method significantly improved the analysis accuracy and identified superior gene-gene interactions and genotypes for each of the four economic traits of Hanwoo.

Genetic effects of sterol regulatory element binding proteins and fatty acid-binding protein4 on the fatty acid composition of Korean cattle (Hanwoo).

OBJECTIVE: This study identifies single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) or gene combinations that affect the flavor and quality of Korean cattle (Hanwoo) by using the SNP Harvester method. METHODS: Four economic traits (oleic acid [C18:1], saturated fatty acids), monounsaturated fatty acids, and marbling score) were adjusted for environmental factors in order to focus solely on genetic effects. The SNP Harvester method was used to investigate gene combinations (two-way gene interactions) associated with these economic traits. Further, a multifactor dimensionality reduction method was used to identify superior genotypes in gene combinations. RESULTS: Table 3 to 4 show the analysis results for differences between superior genotypes and others for selected major gene combinations using the multifactor dimensionality reduction method. Environmental factors were adjusted for in order to evaluate only the genetic effect. Table 5 shows the adjustment effect by comparing the accuracy before and after correction in two-way gene interactions. CONCLUSION: The g.3977-325 T>C and (g.2988 A>G, g.3977-325 T>C) combinations of fatty acid-binding protein4 were the superior gene, and the superior genotype combinations across all economic traits were the CC genotype at g.3977-325 T>C and the AACC, GACC, GGCC genotypes of (g.2988 A>G, g.3977-325 T>C).

Whole genome sequencing of Gyeongbuk Araucana, a newly developed blue-egg laying chicken breed, reveals its origin and genetic characteristics.

Chicken, Gallus gallus, is a valuable species both as a food source and as a model organism for scientific research. Here, we sequenced the genome of Gyeongbuk Araucana, a rare chicken breed with unique phenotypic characteristics including flight ability, large body size, and laying blue-shelled eggs, to identify its genomic features. We generated genomes of Gyeongbuk Araucana, Leghorn, and Korean Native Chicken at a total of 33.5, 35.82, and 33.23 coverage depth, respectively. Along with the genomes of 12 Chinese breeds, we identified genomic variants of 16.3 million SNVs and 2.3 million InDels in mapped regions. Additionally, through assembly of unmapped reads and selective sweep, we identified candidate genes that fall into heart, vasculature and muscle development and body growth categories, which provided insight into Gyeongbuk Araucana's phenotypic traits. Finally, genetic variation based on the transposable element insertion pattern was investigated to elucidate the features of transposable elements related to blue egg shell formation. This study presents results of the first genomic study on the Gyeongbuk Araucana breed; it has potential to serve as an invaluable resource for future research on the genomic characteristics of this chicken breed as well as others.

Relationship between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Gene and Fatty Acid Composition in Korean Native Cattle.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) gene plays an important role in the biosynthesis process controlled by a number of fatty acid transcription factors. This study investigates the relationships between 130 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PPARγ gene and the fatty acid composition of muscle fat in the commercial population of Korean native cattle. We identified 38 SNPs and verified relationships between 3 SNPs (g.1159-71208 A>G, g.42555-29812 G>A, and g.72362 G>T) and the fatty acid composition of commercial Korean native cattle (n = 513). Cattle with the AA genotype of g.1159-71208 A>G and the GG genotype of g.42555-29812 G>A and g.72362 G>T had higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and carcass traits (p<0.05). The results revealed that the 3 identified SNPs in the PPARγ gene affected fatty acid composition and carcass traits, suggesting that these 3 SNPs may improve the flavor and quality of beef in commercial Korean native cattle.

Identification of exonic nucleotide variants of the thyroid hormone responsive protein gene associated with carcass traits and Fatty Acid composition in korean cattle.

The thyroid hormone responsive protein (THRSP) gene is a functional gene that can be used to indicate the fatty acid compositions. This study investigates the relationships of exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the THRSP gene and fatty acid composition of muscle fat and marbling score in the 612 Korean cattle. The relationships between fatty acid composition and eight SNPs in the THRSP gene (g.78 G>A, g.173 C>T, g.184 C>T, g.190 C>A, g.194 C>T, g.277 C>G, g.283 T>G and g.290 T>G) were investigated, and according to the results, two SNPs (g.78 G>A and g.184 C>T) in exon 1 were associated with fatty acid composition. The GG and CC genotypes of g.78 G>A and g.184 C>T had higher unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (p<0.05). In addition, the ht1*ht1 group (Val/Ala haplotype) in a linkage disequilibrium increased MUFAs and marbling scores for carcass traits (p<0.05). As a result, g.78 G>A and g.184 C>T had significantly relationships with UFAs and MUFAs. Two SNPs in the THRSP gene affected fatty acid composition, suggesting that GG and CC genotypes and the ht1*ht1 group (Val/Ala haplotype) can be markers to genetically improve the quality and flavor of beef.

Effects of Kaolinite (Macsumsuk) and Herb Mixtures on the Quality and Physicochemical Properties of Pork.

The current study was conducted to identify technology for the production of high quality pork, based on the meat consumption habits of consumers. Macsumsuk, a type of kaolinite (a clay mineral), and/or a mixture of herbs (Mori Folium, Sophorae Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Citri Leiocarpae Exocarpium, and Pogostemi Herba) were added to the diets of fattening pigs. Sixty barrow pigs (4 kinds of treatment × 5 pigs/treatment × 3 replicates) were randomly assigned to either the Control (no additives), T1 (3% Macsumsuk), T2 (3% Herb mixtures), or T3 (3% Macsumsuk + 3% Herb mixtures) groups, and were fed the diets for 60 d. Dressed weights were in the order of T1 (93.40±4.68kg) > T2 (91.40±6.52kg) > Control (88.80±1.57kg) > T3 (86.80±2.01kg). Back-fat thickness of the Control animals (23.2±1.03) was significantly greater than that of the various treatment groups (p<0.01). Numeric values representing the carcass yield and quality grade were higher for all the treated groups than the Control group, thought the difference was not statistically significant. Crude fat content was significantly higher in the Control group (2.23±0.34%) than in the treated groups (p<0.05). The addition of both Macsumsuk and herb mixtures into the diets of the pigs significantly reduced cooking loss of the pork compared to the Control (p<0.05). No statistically significant changes were observed in the shear force (average 5.87±0.54 kg/cm(2)), water holding capacity (average 54.59±3.16%), or CIE values of the pork, whereas cholesterol levels significantly decreased (p<0.01) in those fed Macsumsuk and/or the herb mixtures. No significant changes in fatty acid composition, total saturated fatty acid (SFA), total unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), or UFA/SFA ratios were observed by any of the treatments. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study suggest that the addition of Macsumsuk and/or herb mixtures into the diets of growing and fattening pigs improves the pork quality by reducing cooking loss, decreasing cholesterol content, and enhancing sensory characteristics.